HAZRAT SHAH-I-HAMDAN RA

Hazrat Amir Kabir Mir syed Ali Hamdani ra often referred to as the founder of Islam in Kashmir came to valley with a large group of comrade of Sayeds who were all amirs and since he was their leader, so he is known as Amir-iKabir.

- RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR

Hazrat Shah-I-Hamdan was born on 21st of October 1314 AD in a noble and pious family. His both parents Syed Shahabuddin and Syeda Fatima were the direct descendants of holy Prophet saw. His father was an administrator of Hamdan and his maternal uncle Syed Alluddin Simnani took the responsibility of his upbringing. Under his guidance Shah-I-Hamdan learnt and memorised the holy Quran. An eminent scholar and Sufi of the time, Sheikh Sharfudin Mazdaqani initiated him into the Kubrawi order. He became his Murshid preceptor and involved with his religious, educational and spiritual upbringing. A brutal Tatar Zulchi invaded Kashmir in early 14th century AD, he and his companions created havoc for eight months brought death, destruction and misery to the people, only eleven families survived in city. After his going back in 1320 AD, a Buddhist from Ladakh Rinchan Shah became the king of Kashmir. During his reign Syed Sharfudin Abdul Rehman Suharwardi ra also known as Bulbul Shah from Turkistan came to Kashmir. It was through him that Rinchan Shah accepted Islam and was renamed as Sadruddin. Before arriving in Kashmir, Shah-I-Hamdan sent his two followers/ cousins Syed Tajuddin Simnani and Mir syed Hussain Simnani to valley to take stock of the situation. Shah-I-Hamdan made three visits to valle